Chapter 108
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 108
Chapter Title: Lucia and Karin
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After wrapping up my busy tasks, I immediately scheduled my first date with Lucia.
But Karin also said she wanted to go on a date with me, and Lucia said it was okay for Karin to come along too, so it ended up being a date with the three of us.
Unlike the first time I went on a date with Karin—back when I had no clue what to do and had to beg other mercenaries with some dating experience for advice—this time was completely different.
'It's different from back then, it's different from back then...'
Unlike that first date, now I knew exactly how to handle things, so I wasn't flustered or nervous like before.
As I walked along, mentally double-checking the date itinerary I'd set in my mind one more time, I spotted Lucia and Karin up ahead.
"Karin Ten-Man Squad Leader, does Hundred-Man Squad Leader Martin like outfits like this? It's a bit embarrassing..."
Lucia was blushing bright red, fidgeting with her fingers.
"This kind of outfit is..."
Karin stroked Lucia's head, a pleased smile on her face.
"I know men's tastes well—especially Martin's. That suits you best, Lucia. You've got a killer figure and great breasts, so skip the flashy stuff and go simple: white blouse, navy skirt. Perfect."
"Really?"
"It's not something I can say around the other women in the corps, but lace, frills, all those top decorations? That's for flat-chested girls trying to fake it. And sure, clothes make the man—but you're the exception, cutie."
"Yes!"
"We're basically family now anyway. Call me Karin sis. How long are you gonna keep it all formal with 'Ten-Man Squad Leader'?"
That was a line I should've delivered myself, but honestly, I was grateful Karin beat me to it.
Unlike your typical harem drama, seeing Lucia and Karin get along like sisters was a huge relief.
'Still, praise from Karin and praise from me have gotta hit different.'
As I watched their adorable exchange from afar with a warm smile, Lucia blushed a little harder, mumbled to a trailing end, and whispered softly.
"K-Karin sis..."
She'd gotten over a lot of her shyness since joining our corps, but I never imagined she'd call Karin 'sis' right here.
Blushing shyly while her tail swayed gently and her ears perked up—it was insanely cute.
Karin couldn't hold back; even on the busy street with everyone watching, she pulled Lucia into a quick hug.
"Yeah, it's your Karin sis."
"Yes, sis..."
After soaking in that heartwarming, adorable scene, I walked up to them.
"Sorry I'm late."
"No, I didn't even notice the time—I was having so much fun with Karin Ten—er, sis."
Lucia turned to me, her tail wagging even harder than it had with Karin.
She gazed up with those big, sparkling eyes.
'Yeah, this is definitely that.'
No guy, no matter how dense, could miss this signal.
"Your outfit's gorgeous—suits you perfectly. White blouse, navy skirt... it's portrait-worthy. I'd commission an artist and carry it everywhere."
Lucia lit up with a smile, tail thumping wildly.
"Really? I spent hours agonizing over it today..."
Karin let out a sigh.
"Told you—that girl has no idea how cute and pretty she is. Give her more."
Just like how a small-chested girl's fretting over it is endearing, a girl oblivious to her own beauty acting clueless? Too cute.
'Boost her confidence now, right?'
That way, later when we're alone—in bed—she'd rock something sexier and join in more eagerly.
I reached to pet Lucia's head but stopped; it'd mess up her perfectly styled hair, and she might hate that...
So I gently caressed her cheek instead.
"Suits you great. And you look pretty in anything, Lucia."
It was blunt, maybe a tad awkward—but for Lucia, just starting her first crush, let alone romance...
Her face went beet red as she beamed.
"Thank you, Hundred-Man Squad Leader..."
Her smile was so infectious I couldn't resist—I petted her head anyway.
"Hehe..."
Fox girl or not, moments like this made Lucia seem like the perfect people-loving puppy.
"Alright, first up: new staff for you, Lucia. Good spot nearby, I heard."
Walking with Lucia and Karin drew stares from all around.
Jealous, envious glares washed over us—and a grin spread across my face.
'This is living the dream.'
Noble, commoner—doesn't matter. The guy with the beauties wins.
Savoring the attention on the way to the magic staff specialty shop, Lucia suddenly halted.
"Lucia, whatcha looking at?"
But she didn't answer.
"What's got you zoned out?"
Following her gaze: a display of accessories.
Ruby necklaces, gem-studded rings and bracelets, ornate gold-jewel scabbards.
Lucia zeroed in on the rings.
"Someday... for Hundred-Man Squad Leader Martin..."
Swaying tail, dreamy smile, longing eyes...
Karin locked onto the rings too, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"Our Lucia's always so cute. Tail wags for tasty food, ears perk when she's sulky..."
My line, sure—but spot on.
I patted Lucia's shoulder lightly.
"Lucia."
Startled—her mind on the rings—she whipped around, tail shooting straight up.
"Yes, Hundred-Man Squad Leader?"
"Want it?"
She blushed, stammering.
"Y-Yes... can we peek inside before the staff shop?"
Staff first, then nothing pressing—why not.
"Sure. But why rings?"
Lucia dropped her gaze, face apple-red.
Hands fidgeting like she was holding something invisible, she murmured haltingly.
"W-Well, no family... grew up in the orphanage since I was little. Dreamed of being a mage young, then growing up, meeting someone amazing, marrying, building a home..."
She nibbled her lip, tail twitching small.
"Then kids... love 'em fierce, make up for all the loneliness I felt without parents..."
Even back home, folks with rough upbringings chased happy families to heal old scars.
"Busy becoming a real mage till now—no good guy in sight. Just a vague dream... b-but..."
She tugged my sleeve lightly.
"Now I'll live with you forever, Hundred-Man Squad Leader Martin, right? Marriage and kids are still ways off..."
Our corps had 'mercenary hubby, odd-jobs wife' pairs—but most guys had families back home.
Poor finances or wanderlust meant no big weddings. Nomads skipped kids often.
Lucia stepped closer, resolute.
"Still... want proof we're lovers. But salary's low—barely covers orphanage meals... so just window-shopping."
Karin jabbed my arm.
"Martin."
Short and sweet—but cash wasn't tight, and rings? Pfft.
Better: matching rings for us three scream 'these are my girls' loud and clear.
Lucia'd love it. No-brainer.
"Hold on."
I ducked into the ring shop, snagged three enchanted premium rings.
Ideally, ask tastes, shop around—but Lucia's vibe had me too pumped, too rushed.
'Beauty aching to give me her all, body and soul? Can't pass.'
Handed them over.
Karin blushed, eyes misty, accepted.
Lucia...
Clung tight, sobbing joyfully till her chest soaked.
That night, I'd planned my first time with Lucia—but instead, it turned into pure emotional overload...
Plan delayed. A bit.